EP0183947B1 - Method for registering outgoing calls made by the calling party in a private branch exchange - Google Patents

Abstract

A caller in a private branch exchange has the possibility of designating an intended outside call as a "private call". For this purpose, first of all a peripheral unit (personal computer) is selected via a dedicated connection. The system transmits to this unit the identification code (caller number) of the calling party concerned. Then the caller has to send a code individually assigned to him. This code can be given, for example, by dialling a combination of numbers exclusively assigned to this particular caller. Another possibility is for the caller to insert an identity card provided with a corresponding coding into a reader with him. The peripheral unit (PC) checks whether the identification code and the individually assigned code corresponds to a fixed assignment held as stored information. If this authorisation check is positive, the charge register is transmitted a code which declares the following call as a private call. The calling party is thereupon allocated a free outside line, taking into account a corresponding outgoing call rate. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a method for an internal and external traffic relations enabling memory-programmed dialing extension system, which has a control computer unit for handling switching processes and other control processes, which has access to corresponding memory arrangements in which the necessary information is stored and in which for the individual subscriber stations Different access authorizations are provided for certain types of traffic relationships and in which the individual subscriber stations are charged for outgoing official traffic.

In modern private branch exchanges, an extension subscriber can take advantage of a large number of features from the respective telephone station. This was made possible, among other things, by the use of semiconductor memories and by the use of control computer units. In the case of a program-controlled system, performance features can be assigned to the individual subscriber stations by changing the information at a predetermined operating station, changed or canceled. Different authorizations for certain traffic relationships can be provided for the individual subscriber stations. A distinction is made, for example, between office, half office and non-office authorization.

When recording call charges in outgoing exchange traffic, there are several types of charge recording that can be used individually or in combination. In the case of central call data acquisition, all the data required for verification is automatically recorded, saved and registered during an outgoing exchange call (see e.g. EP-A-0 006 265). In connection with automatic call charge recording, it is known that a subscriber can express by means of a call indicator based on a preselected code that the subsequent outside call is a private call. The specific key figure is defined uniformly for all subscriber stations. Since it is only determined whether a subscriber position is authorized to make an outside call, it is possible to charge another subscriber with the costs caused by the private call.

Private calls can also be recorded at the attendant console. This applies to participants who are only authorized to set up official calls via the operator console, as well as participants who are officially authorized and who do not want to establish an official but private connection. Such a call connection is registered by the extension subscriber concerned with the operator. The assignment of the exchange connection by the operator can then take place in immediate traffic immediately or in recall traffic at a later point in time. The operator, for example, notes the information necessary for recording the call charges on a call sheet. Such a procedure for billing private calls is very personnel-intensive, especially for such systems to whom many conversations are to be registered in this way.

It is the object of the invention to avoid the disadvantages which occur in the known methods for recording private calls.

This is achieved in that for the purpose of declaring an intended public call as a private call by the subscriber concerned, the subscriber station sends out an individually assigned identifier and, on the basis of the automatic identification of this subscriber station carried out in this connection, processes an identifier for a data supplied and mediating control information supplying unit is caused to check whether the identification mark and the individually assigned mark corresponds to a predetermined assignment available as memory information, that only if the test result is positive, a mark is sent which identifies the intended official call as a private call classified, is prompted to the fee entry device and that thereupon due to corresponding control processes initiated by the named unit an outside line is automatically assigned to the subscriber station concerned, so that the setup of the outside call can be initiated by the subscriber.

It is stipulated in a memory to which the processing and control unit mentioned has access that a specific individual identifier only belongs to a fixedly specified subscriber station. Only if this defined assignment actually for the generated If the license plate applies, the establishment of an outside call is made possible. This can prevent the improper attribution of fees to a participant who did not cause them. At the same time, charging can be automated for all types of calls, including private calls. An operator is no longer required to record the charges for such calls. The processing and control unit can be the existing control computer unit. If a major intervention is to be excluded in an already installed system, a peripheral unit can be used, which processes the data arising in connection with the recording of private calls and provides the necessary switching control information. This unit can be connected via a connection circuit usually associated with a collective connection. This means that only minor intervention is required when retrofitting.

The individually assigned identifier, which is used for the plausibility check, can be sent by entering a specific combination of digits, which was assigned exclusively to a specific subscriber. The transmission of the individually assigned identifier can also be carried out by scanning a feature that only identifies a specific subscriber. This feature can be applied to an identification card which is inserted by the subscriber into a reader in order to send out the individual identification. Such a reading device can be assigned to the individual subscriber stations. It would also be conceivable to use the fingerprint of the respective participant as a characteristic feature. In such a case it should be there should be a fingerprint reader that scans characteristic points of the print. The values obtained in this way are then used to determine whether the pattern obtained is assigned to this subscriber location.

According to a further development of the invention, in the cases in which it is determined by the plausibility check that the individual identifier is not given by the subscriber station specified for this, a further connection establishment is prevented. This can be signaled by an audible tone sent to the subscriber station.

Due to the declaration of an official call to be set up as a private call, in which the subscriber assumes the costs incurred, the number of call data usually registered can be considerably reduced.

The method according to the invention is described below with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing. In principle, the method can be used both in an analog and in a digital switching system. The exemplary embodiment shows some functional units of an analog memory-programmed private branch exchange NA, the control processes of which are essentially controlled by the control computer unit Zst. The block diagram shows the connection sets provided for the standard traffic, namely an exchange set AS, an internal set IS, a recording set WAS available for recording the dialing information given in the multi-frequency method. These connection sets and, if necessary, a sub-center, not shown Control units can be present in connection with the corresponding portion of the switching network KN and the respective switching network adjuster E for a specific group of subscriber stations. If several of these groups of participants are formed, they are assigned to the units mentioned in a corresponding manner. Representing all subscriber stations, only one subscriber station Nst is shown. A participant set is provided for each participant position. For the subscriber station Nst, this subscriber set is TS1. Each set of subscribers contains, in a manner not shown, among other things an indication point which detects changes in status on the respective connecting line. The individual pieces of information are recorded by the control computer unit Zst. Setting commands for the function switches contained in the subscriber set are then transmitted by the latter. This applies in the same way to the other connection sets. The respective connection set is marked with address information. The type of actuation of a function switch is determined on the basis of setting information and the function switch in question is selected at the same time. The respective setting of the same is then carried out by the clock information of the existing system clock.

In the exemplary embodiment, the subscriber sets or connection-specific sets mentioned are connected on an equal footing in the so-called reverse grouping to coupling connections of only a single switching matrix side. The adjuster E has the task of actuating all coupling points that are required for a connection through the coupling network KN. The connection sets are used to build, hold and release one Connection carried out directly on the switching network required switching operations. The programs necessary for the individual control processes should be contained in the program memory P, to which the control computer unit Zst has access. The first digit dialed by a subscriber is evaluated by the control computer unit Zst and it is determined whether an internal connection or an external connection is desired. In the latter case, the further construction would then take place with the help of an official sentence AS. If an internal connection is intended, a way to the desired subscriber is sought. The adjuster E is caused to make the setting of the associated coupling contacts in the switching network KN. If the coupling route is OK, the connection is made and the ringing tone is sent to the calling party and the call signal is sent from the internal record IS to the called party. If the calling subscriber station is equipped with a touch dialing device, the set of WAS available for receiving the dialing information thus entered is used. When the called subscriber station is reported, the call is entered. If one of the participants involved hangs up, this causes the participant set and the set path to be triggered by appropriate commands. The subscriber to such a modern switching system can call up certain performance features. This can be done by choosing certain codes or code sequences.

An automatic fee entry device GEZ is used in a private branch exchange for cost accounting and for control purposes. Your task is to scan, save, prepare and register the call data necessary for the verification in the Course of an outgoing outside call. It is known to enter call indicators in the form of certain codes in order to report to the fee collection device that the outside call should be a private call. If the office authorization is assigned to a subscriber station, this subscriber station could be misused by a subscriber for such a private call. Such an improper use is excluded in spite of the automatic charge recording for an outside call in the method according to the invention. If a subscriber wants to make a private call, he first dials a code with which a hunt group SA is reached. The use of such a hunt group has the advantage that if an input of the unit reached via it - in this case the PC unit - is occupied, another free input of this unit can be reached. This unit PC, which processes the supplied data and is intended to provide switching control information, can be a personal computer with an appropriate size of the private branch exchange, which has the interfaces required for this application. The connection circuit for this unit PC is designated TS2. In the exemplary embodiment, the unit ZS is connected between this connection circuit and the unit PC. It is used for the temporary storage of information supplied to it, which the unit PC calls up for further processing. A so-called service display can be used as the unit ZS, which is usually used to display the identity of the calling subscriber station ascertained by means of a corresponding identification. In this unit, for example, the number of the subscriber station concerned is initially used as the identifier saved. The call for the PC unit is then created via interface S1. This detects the ringing current and creates a line loop via the corresponding terminating resistor. The unit PC then sends an audio tone via the internal connection path established to the subscriber station NSt from which the private call is to be made. This is the request for the participant to enter an individually assigned identifier. This identification can be a code assigned exclusively to this subscriber, which he can enter via the dialing device of his subscriber station. The individual identifier can also be transmitted by scanning a feature identifying the subscriber. This feature can be applied to an identification card, such as that represented by the company ID. This can take the form of optically or magnetically readable code information. The characteristic feature can also be, for example, the name on the ID card. The individual license plate is sent out by the participant inserting the identification card into a reader which is present at the subscriber station concerned. A fingerprint reader could also be used to scan the characteristic points of the impression pattern. The participant's fingerprint would therefore be used as an individual identifier.

The individual identifier entered by the subscriber in the form of an identification number assigned to him or in another way is fed directly to this unit via the internal connection existing to the unit PC and stored there. Based on this individual The license plate and the identification plate obtained by means of the ZS unit, an admissibility check is carried out. For this purpose, the identification identifier, which for example represents the telephone number of the subscriber station concerned, is transferred to the unit PC at the latest at this point in time. This can be done for example via the interface S3.

A corresponding memory area of this unit PC now stores which individual identifier was assigned to a specific subscriber station. A comparison can now be used to determine whether the assigned assignment applies to the individual identifier received and the automatically transmitted identifier, for example in the form of the subscriber number. It is thus determined in a simple manner whether a subscriber also wants to set up the private call from the subscriber station belonging to him. If this admissibility check leads to a negative result, this can be communicated to the participant concerned by feeding in an audible tone which has been defined for such a case. Then the connection is released. This triggering could also be carried out without emitting such an audible tone. A busy tone is then created for the relevant subscriber position.

If it is determined during the plausibility check that the received individual identifier and the transmitted telephone number of the subscriber station actually corresponds to a saved pairing, the establishment of an external connection can be released. A corresponding audible tone can be created to inform the participant of this fact. For the exemplary embodiment it should now be provided that the the subscriber concerned then hangs up and the PC unit is triggered. A unit circuit TS3 is then reached by the unit PC, for example via the interface S2. A private exchange code is issued by the unit PC. This is evaluated by the control computer unit Zst. This then leads to the assignment of an office record AS and to the transmission of information to the fee registration device GEZ that the office call is to be regarded as a private call. The unit PC then makes an inquiry and selects the subscriber station Nst concerned. In the context of these customary switching procedures, the trunk line AL is then transferred after the report, including the office record AS. After this automatic assignment of an outside line depending on the admissibility check made, the subscriber can now set up the outside call. The subscriber circuit TS3 can be designed in such a way that the subscriber can take over by lifting the handset without having to press the earth button.

In the case of private branch exchanges which enable an outside call to be made directly from the house inquiry, it is not necessary to trigger the subscriber station after the transmission of the audible tone which indicates the positive admissibility check. The query made by the PC unit could also be carried out in principle via the subscriber circuit TS2, so that the additional coupling to the further subscriber circuit TS3 can be omitted.

The use of the unit PC shown in the exemplary embodiment is particularly advantageous if the in an already installed private branch exchange automatic assignment of an outside line for private calls, which was originally not possible, is to be provided.

As a rule, the automatic devices for call billing record a series of call data, such as origin and destination number, call duration and call charges, date and time. If there is now the possibility for a subscriber to mark an outside call as a private call, the recording of the call data can be restricted. Basically, only the incoming fee impulses and the subscriber station that caused these fees need to be registered. At least one recording of the external subscriber number can be omitted.

Claims (7)

1. A method for a stored-programme private branch exchange which provides the possibility for internal and external traffic relations and, for the purpose or handling switching processes and other control processes, exhibits a control processor unit which has access to corresponding memory arrangements in which the information items necessary for this are stored and in which control processor unit different access authorisation levels for certain types of traffic relations are provided for the individual subscriber stations and in which the charges for the outgoing exchange line traffic are registered, characterised in that, for declaring an intended exchange line call as a private call, the subscriber concerned causes a code individually allocated to him to be sent out from the subscriber station and on the basis of the automatic identification of this subscriber station carried out in this connection an identification code is sent to a unit processing supplied data and supplying switching control information items, in that the latter thereupon checks whether the identification code and the individually allocated code corresponds to a predetermined allocation present as memory information, in that the sending out of a code which classifies the intended exchange line call as a private call to the call charge equipment is effected only in the case of a positive test result, and in that thereupon, in consequence of corresponding control sequences initiated by the unit, an exchange line (AL) is automatically allocated to the subscriber station (Nst) concerned so that the setting-up of the exchange line call can be initiated by the subscriber.
2. Method according to Claim 1, characterised in that the unit processing the supplied data and supplying switching control information represents a peripheral processing and control unit (PC) to which an internal connection is first set up by the subscriber and to which thereupon both the identification code and the individually allocated code are transmitted.
3. Method according to Claim 2, characterised in that a subscriber line interface circuit (TS2) usually belonging to a hunt group (SA) is allocated to the peripheral unit (PC).
4. Method according to Claim 1, characterised in that the sending out of the individually allocated code is effected by the input of a combination of digits exclusively allocated to this particular subscriber.
5. Method according to Claim 1, characterised in that the sending out of the individually allocated code is effected by the sampling of a feature exclusively characterizing a subscriber.
6. Method according to Claim 5, characterised in that the feature is applied to an identification card which, for the purpose of sending out the individual code, is inserted by the subscriber into a reading device allocated to the subscriber station.
7. Method according to Claim 1, characterised in that due to the fact that an exchange line call to be set up has been declared as a private call, the extent of the data to be registered for the automatic call charge registration can be restricted.

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